How to write a strong bullet point
Every bullet should follow Action verb + what you did + result. The verb shows ownership, the middle holds the keywords recruiters search for, and the result — ideally a number — proves impact.
- Before: Responsible for preparing weekly sales reports.
- After: Prepared weekly sales reports in Power BI for 30 managers, cutting reporting time by 6 hours a week.
Choosing the right verb
- Pick an honest verb. If you supported a project, write “Supported”, not “Led”.
- Match the result. Saved money → “Reduced”, “Cut”. Grew something → “Increased”, “Grew”. Made something new → “Built”, “Launched”.
- Vary your verbs. Use each one at most two or three times per page.
Read the full guide to resume action verbs and bullet points with numbers. Then run your resume through the free ATS checker — its line-by-line view flags every weak bullet for you.
FAQ
Why should resume bullets start with action verbs?
Action verbs show ownership and force you to be specific. Recruiters skim the first two or three words of each bullet, and "Reduced costs by 18%" is far stronger than "Responsible for cost control".
What are weak words to avoid on a resume?
"Responsible for", "Worked on", "Helped", "Assisted with", "Involved in", "Handled" and "Duties included". They describe a job, not what you achieved.
Can I use the same verb more than once?
Try not to use any verb more than two or three times on one page. Repetition makes a resume feel flat — our ATS checker flags overused words.
Should verbs be in past or present tense?
Past tense for previous roles ("Built", "Led") and present tense for your current role ("Build", "Lead") — or past tense throughout for finished achievements. Be consistent.